For Pence, All-Star experience more meaningful now

Sunday

Jul 31, 2011 at 12:01 AM

By Kevin CooneyStaff writer

?PHILADELPHIA — He viewed it as just his small little token of help to the National League’s cause in the World Series.

Little did Hunter Pence understand that his throw-out of Jose Bautista in the fourth inning of this year’s All-Star Game — one that proved to be a key moment in the National League’s eventual win — could end up having a huge impact on his future fortunes.

“I didn’t think there was going to be a trade,” Pence said. “One thing, I think I did make a difference in the World Series.You want to win. That’s the neat thing about the World Series, teams that aren’t in contention still get to have an effect on what really happens. It’s a unique twist. I like that baseball has it that way.”

The All-Star Game has served as an introduction for Pence to several of his current teammates. This year, he was out there with the Phils trio of aces — Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels — and made a point of seeking out Halladay.

“I think everyone knows in baseball there is a lot of respect for Roy Halladay,” Pence said. “I went up to him, he’s kind of soft-spoken guy. I just went up to him and told him Roy, when we face you and compete at the highest level, we know we are competing against the best. I just wanted to tell him I respect what you do and it’s amazing to be in this league and to compete against someone of your caliber.”

Lineup dilemma

One of the things that the Phils have wrestled with since Jayson Werth departed was how to mix up a lefty-heavy lineup to give it some balance.

With Pence now in town, Charlie Manuel will again begin the process of switching and shuffling in different lineups to try to see what works.

His first lineup had Shane Victorino back into the second spot behind Jimmy Rollins, Pence in the five hole and Placido Polanco in the seventh spot.

“When you look at it and think about it, there are things we can do,” Manuel said. “Victorino and Polly are high average hitters against leftys. We can maneuver our lineup better. I told all those guys that we will get shuffled. Polly could hit second, sixth or seventh. Ibanez could hit sixth or seventh. Victorino could hit sixth. Depends on how we are doing.”

Polanco said that his back — which has kept him out since July 4 — was feeling “90 to 95 percent” after a shot on the bulging disc. “I’m ready to go,” Polanco said.

Brown back to Lehigh Valley

As expected, the Pence trade means that Domonic Brown headed back to Triple A Lehigh Valley on Saturday to keep active and fresh.

The 23-year-old outfielder moved to left field as well, seeming to pave the way for his assumption of the position in 2012. That’s when Raul Ibanez’s contract will run out.

“I think he’s athletic enough that he’s going to be able to do that,” Amaro said. “He didn’t have any problem with that when I talked to him this afternoon. We’re trying to do what’s best for him and we’re trying to do what’s best for the Phillies.”

In addition to Brown, the Phils optioned right-handed reliever Drew Carpenter to Lehigh Valley as well.